Andrei's defense goes off court

LOS ANGELES — Pulled from the pouch of his personal promoter, a slick, shiny folder extolling Andrei Kirilenko's virtues as both a basketball player and an international ambassador dubs the Jazz's standout forward from Russia "Secretary of Defense."

How appropriate.

On Friday, two days before he is to play in his first NBA All-Star Game, Utah's shot-blocking, steals-making scoring leader found himself having to defend his very presence in a constellation-sized ballroom full of stars.

Shining stars, like Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett. Sour stars, like Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant. Stars from overseas, like Dirk Nowitzki and Peja Stojakovic.

"I don't think I'm a superstar," said Kirilenko, who made the league's midseason showcase event in just his third NBA season. "I mean, I'm an All-Star — but I don't think I'm a 'superstar.' "

Make that 'deserved' All-Star, suggests Kirilenko, who was chosen in a vote of Western Conference coaches as one of seven reserves for the 12-member West team that will face off against the East on Sunday night at the Staples Center.

"I'm happy coaches went for me," he said during Friday's formal All-Star interview session at a posh Beverly Hills-area hotel. "They like my game.

"I feel good right now," added Kirilenko, his official All-Star ring tucked in a wooden box that rested within easy reach of his elongated fingers. "So happy."

So when a Denver reporter walks to Kirilenko's assigned table and asks about recent comments made by Nuggets rookie Carmelo Anthony — who feels he should have named an All-Star, not Kirilenko — the Jazz's 22-year-old seems compelled to get rather defensive about his honor.

To help make his point, Kirilenko reels off a few names: Phoenix's Shawn Marion, Gary Payton of the Los Angeles Lakers and Portland's Zach Randolph among them.

"I think about 20 guys deserve to be on the All-Star team — and Carmelo (is) one of them," Kirilenko said. "But I think (Anthony's stance) is a little bit disrespect — for me, for . . . all these guys who didn't make the team, but they deserve to be here.

"It's disrespect," he added, "for the coaches — like you think they're stupid? No, I don't think so. Because they're watching most of the games . . . They know how you play."